Which statement best describes how a catalyst affects the reaction rate of a chemical reaction?<\/p>\n
A. The addition of a catalyst decreases equilibrium and slows down the reaction.<\/p>\n
B. The addition of a catalyst increases the temperature of the reactants and speeds up the reaction.<\/p>\n
C. The addition of a catalyst decreases the required activation energy and speeds up the reaction.<\/p>\n
D. The addition of a catalyst increases the potential energy of the reactants and slows the reaction.<\/p>\n